Panel arrangement comprising panel and coupling member

Abstract

A panel arrangement (10) including a panel (1) and a coupling member (2) configured to be coupled to a joinery component. The panel includes at least one cavity (3) arranged in a mounting side (1a) and extending at a cavity angle (a) with respect to a first plane (M1) extending along the mounting side, and a recess (4) arranged in the mounting side. The coupling member includes at least one protrusion (5) arranged in a mounting area (2a) and extending at a protrusion angle (b) with respect to a second plane (M2) extending along the mounting area, and a tongue (6) arranged in the mounting area. The cavities and the protrusions are configured to cooperate for locking the coupling member to the panel in a first direction (D1) perpendicular to the first plane, and the recess and the tongue are configured to cooperate for locking the coupling member to the panel in a second direction (D2) along the first plane.

Description

[0001] PANEL ARRANGEMENT COMPRISING PANEL AND COUPLING MEMBER

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The disclosure relates to a panel arrangement comprising a panel and a coupling member, such as a slider member, a hinge element, or a fitting element. The coupling member is configured to be coupled to a joinery component, such as a joinery panel, preferably for a furniture assembly, such as a drawer assembly, a cabinet assembly, or a shelf assembly.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Conventionally, drawer sliders, hinges, and similar pieces may be assembled to furniture components by means of screws. Lately, however, this technology has been developed in a number of directions without the need for screws.

[0006] WO 2016 / 007082 discloses developments according to which a slider, such as a drawer slider, is configured to be assembled to a panel by means of a displaceable tongue. Thereby, the time for assembling may be reduced and the strength of the locking system may be improved.

[0007] Furthermore, WO 2016 / 171607 describes another solution according to which a strip of a slider may be inserted into an insertion groove and an undercut groove of a panel by an angling motion. The slider may comprise a locking element and the panel may comprise a locking groove, preferably a hole. The locking element may cooperate with the locking groove for preventing the slider from being displaced along the insertion groove.

[0008] WO 2022 / 124974 discloses a locking rail that is easily connectable to panels of a cabinet for the locking of the panels in a horizontal direction while giving a stable locking of the panels. The locking rail utilizes a first and a second locking device, each comprising a first locking tongue for locking in a horizontal direction, as well as a second locking tongue for locking in a vertical direction.

[0009] WO 2016 / 175701 A1 discloses a set comprising a panel and a fastening device for securing a furniture component, such as a hinge, an interior fitting, a carrying device, or a slider, to the panel. A flexible tongue arranged in an edge groove is configured to cooperate with a recess of a protruding part of the fastening device for locking the fastening device to the panel. However, it may typically be difficult and / or costly to form longitudinally extending grooves in a centre portion of a panel. For example, an expensive and complicated processing equipment, such as a CNC machine, may be needed for forming such grooves. In addition, the known fastening devices may weaken the edge of the panels, for example due to an elongated edge groove.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] It is therefore an object of at least embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a panel arrangement comprising a panel and a coupling member, which is easier to manufacture and / or which provides a stronger panel.

[0012] Another object of at least embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a panel arrangement which may allow for a more time efficient assembly of a coupling member to a panel, without using a separate assembling tool.

[0013] Yet another object of at least embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a panel arrangement in which a coupling member may be more securely locked to a panel.

[0014] These and other objects and advantages that will be apparent from the description have been achieved by the various aspects, embodiments and examples described below.

[0015] In accordance with a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a panel arrangement comprising a panel and a coupling member, such as a slider member, a hinge element, or a fitting element, wherein the coupling member is configured to be coupled to a joinery component, such as a joinery panel. The panel comprises at least one cavity, such as a plurality of cavities, arranged in a mounting side of the panel and extending along a cavity direction at a cavity angle with respect to a first plane extending along the mounting side of the panel, and a recess arranged in the mounting side of the panel. The coupling member comprises at least one protrusion, such as a plurality of protrusions, arranged or configured to be arranged in a mounting area of the coupling member and extending along a protrusion direction at a protrusion angle with respect to a second plane extending along the mounting area of the coupling member, and a tongue, such as an insert, arranged or configured to be arranged in the mounting area of the coupling member, wherein the tongue is displaceable and / or compressible along its main, such as axial, direction. The at least one cavity and the at least one protrusion are configured to cooperate with each other for locking the coupling member to the panel in a first direction perpendicular to the first plane, and the recess and the tongue are configured to cooperate with each other for locking the coupling member to the panel in a second direction along the first plane.

[0016] By having such cavities and protrusions as well as a recess and a tongue in accordance with the first aspect, a more time efficient, toolless assembly of the coupling member to the panel may be provided. Moreover, their cooperation may provide a secure locking between the coupling member and the panel in the first and second directions. In addition, an easier and more cost-effective manufacturing of the panel arrangement may be provided, for example since the cavities and / or the recess may be more easily formed in the panel, such as by drilling. Drilled cavities (e.g., essentially circular cavities) and / or a drilled recess (e.g., an essentially circular recess) may provide less processed panel portions, e.g., as compared to elongated grooves, whereby the panel may remain more intact and hence stronger. An especially effective forming may be provided in a continuous industrial manufacturing process, preferably utilizing drilling.

[0017] The panel arrangement may be included in a panel assembly, such as a furniture assembly. For example, the furniture assembly may be a drawer assembly, a cabinet assembly, or a shelf assembly. Herein, a cupboard is included as an example of a cabinet.

[0018] The joinery component may be a joinery panel, preferably for a panel assembly, such as a furniture assembly, comprising the panel and the joinery panel. For example, the furniture assembly may be a drawer assembly, a cabinet assembly, or a shelf assembly. For example, the furniture assembly may be configured to store articles and / or it may be a kitchen furniture assembly.

[0019] The cooperation, such as engagement, between the cavities and the protrusions as well as between the recess and the tongue may define a locked state of the coupling member and the panel. Furthermore, an unlocked state of the coupling member and the panel may be obtained when there is no cooperation between the cavity and the protrusion and / or the recess and the tongue.

[0020] In the locked state, the second direction may be parallel with a longitudinal direction of the coupling member in which it is elongated.

[0021] The coupling member may be configured to be directly or indirectly coupled to the joinery component. For example, the coupling member, such as a hinge element, may be indirectly coupled to a joinery component, such as joinery panel, via a connection to an intermediary element, such as a complementary hinge element.

[0022] For simplicity of the presentation herein, reference will often be made to “cavities” (or “protrusions”) instead of “at least one cavity (or protrusion)”, but it is emphasized that “at least one cavity (or protrusion)”, “at least two cavities (or protrusions)” and “a plurality of cavities (or protrusions)” are included in the concept of “cavities” (or “protrusions”).

[0023] Generally herein, cooperating objects, such as surfaces, members or elements, may cooperate by direct engagement or indirectly. Examples of cooperating objects include the cavities and protrusions, and the recess and the tongue. In any embodiment described herein, there may be a sealing agent, such as a wax or an adhesive, provided between the cooperating objects, thereby providing examples of an indirect engagement.

[0024] During locking, the tongue, such as the insert, may be configured to be compressed such that it assumes a compressed state, and, subsequently, the tongue may be at least partially expanded towards an expanded state for locking the coupling member to the panel.

[0025] The coupling member may be configured be locked to the panel by relatively displacing the coupling member with respect to the panel in a locking direction extending essentially in parallel with at least one of the cavity direction and the protrusion direction. Thereby, the locking direction may extend at an angle with respect to the first and second planes. By extending essentially in parallel, the locking direction may, for example, form an angle of less than 10°, such as less than 5°, such as less than 3° or less than 1 °, with respect to the cavity direction and / or the protrusion direction.

[0026] The tongue may be an insert arranged in an insert groove of the coupling member, wherein the insert groove preferably is provided in a housing of the coupling member.

[0027] The insert and / or an insert groove in which it is arranged may essentially extend along a normal direction of the second plane. Thereby, it may become easier to form the insert groove, such as by drilling.

[0028] The insert may comprise a plurality of joined serpentine elements. The serpentine elements may be flexible and may implement a compressibility of the insert along the main direction, such as axial direction. For example, the joined serpentine elements may be configured to produce a biasing force in the main direction of the insert.

[0029] In some embodiments, the tongue is a one-piece tongue, which is integrally formed with the mounting area.

[0030] The tongue may be arranged outside of each protrusion along the second direction, preferably in the locked state. Thereby, it may be easier to unlock the coupling member from the panel.

[0031] The protrusion angle may be smaller than the cavity angle in an unlocked state of the panel and the coupling member. Thereby, the coupling member may be locked to the panel by pretension.

[0032] The protrusion angle may differ from the cavity angle by 0.5° to 6°, such as 2° to 4°, in the unlocked state. For example, the protrusion angle may be smaller than the cavity angle as described above.

[0033] The cavity angle may be between 20° and 75°, such as 30° to 60°, for example about 45°.

[0034] The protrusion angle may be between 20° and 75°, such as 30° to 60°, for example about 42°.

[0035] Generally herein, the protrusion angle and the cavity angle may be measured in the unlocked state and in the locked state by a computed tomography scanner, CT scanner.

[0036] The recess may be arranged in an edge portion of the panel. Alternatively, or additionally, the tongue may be arranged in an edge section of the coupling member.

[0037] In some embodiments, the recess may be arranged between two cavities. Alternatively, or additionally, the tongue may be arranged between two protrusions. Thereby, the locking strength of the coupling member to the panel may increase.

[0038] Each cavity may be inclined with respect to the second direction. Each protrusion may be inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction of the coupling member. In the locked state, the second direction may thereby extend in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the coupling member. Such inclined cavities may be easier to manufacture, for example since they may be manufactured simultaneously with regular panel assembly holes in edge portions of the panel, which may be inclined along a similar or the same direction. In a first example, the at least one protrusion may be inclined in a direction away from the tongue (or insert). In a second example, at least one protrusion may be inclined in a direction toward the tongue (or insert).

[0039] Each cavity may be inclined with respect to a third direction, which is perpendicular to the first and second directions. Each protrusion may be inclined with respect to a transverse direction of the coupling member. In the locked state, the third direction may thereby extend in parallel with the transverse direction of the coupling member. By having vertically inclined cavities and protrusions, a locking strength of the coupling member to the panel may be increased by means of the weight of the coupling member.

[0040] Opposing walls of each cavity may be substantially parallel. Alternatively, or additionally, opposing walls of the recess may be substantially parallel.

[0041] A cross-section of the cavity and / or the recess may be circular.

[0042] The coupling member may be a slider member, such as a drawer slider member, and the joinery component may be a furniture component, such as a drawer component or a cabinet component.

[0043] The coupling member may be, or may be part of, a hinge element or a fitting element, and the joinery component may be a furniture component, such as a cabinet component or a shelf component. The panel arrangement in which the joinery component is a shelf component may be configured to be mounted on a wall or in a cabinet assembly.

[0044] The fitting element may be configured to be coupled to a joinery component of a furniture assembly, such as a cabinet assembly and / or a kitchen furniture assembly. For example, the fitting element may be provided in a hanger rail unit, a closet rod unit, a basket unit, a coat hook unit, or a shelf unit, such as being configured to couple a hanger rail, a closet rod unit, a basket, a coat hook, or a shelf component to the panel.

[0045] Generally herein, the furniture component, such as drawer component or cabinet component, may be assembled with other furniture components, such as drawer components or cabinet components, into a furniture assembly, such as a drawer assembly or cabinet assembly.

[0046] In accordance with a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a panel assembly comprising the panel arrangement according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect and further comprising at least one additional joinery component, such as a plurality of additional joinery components. Embodiments of the second aspect are largely analogous to those of the first aspect, especially embodiments of the panel arrangement, whereby reference is made thereto.

[0047] The panel assembly may be a furniture assembly, such as drawer assembly, a cabinet assembly, or a shelf assembly.

[0048] Generally, all terms used herein, such as in the claims, are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise. All references to "a / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. Reference to one or a plurality of “at least one element”, etc., may shortly be referred to as “the element(s)”.

[0049] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

[0050] The disclosure will in the following be described in connection to exemplary embodiments and in greater detail with reference to the appended exemplary drawings, wherein:

[0051] Figs. 1a-1e illustrate in a perspective view an exemplary embodiment of a panel (Fig. 1a) and in a perspective view (Fig. 1 b), a side view (Fig. 1c), a cross-sectional side view (Fig. 1d) and a cross-sectional top view (Fig. 1e) an exemplary embodiment of a coupling member locked to such a panel.

[0052] Figs. 2a-2e illustrate in perspective views (Figs. 2a, 2c and 2d), a side view (Fig. 2b) and a cross-sectional top view (Fig. 2e) an exemplary embodiment of a coupling member.

[0053] Figs. 3a-3c illustrate in cross-sectional bottom views an exemplary embodiment of a coupling member and a panel during locking (Figs. 3a-3b) and in a locked state (Fig. 3c).

[0054] Figs. 3d-3e illustrate in cross-sectional bottom views an exemplary embodiment of a coupling member and a panel during locking (Fig. 3d) and in a locked state (Fig. 3e). Figs. 4a-4c illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a coupling member in a side view (Fig. 4a), a rear view (Fig. 4b) and a cross-sectional top view (Fig. 4c).

[0055] Figs. 4d-4f illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a furniture assembly in the form of a drawer assembly without a drawer in a perspective view (Fig. 4d), and with a drawer in a side view (Fig. 4e) and a perspective view (Fig. 4f).

[0056] Figs. 5a-5c illustrate in a perspective view (Fig. 5a) and a side view (Fig. 5b) an exemplary embodiment of an insert in an expanded state, and an exemplary embodiment of such an insert in a compressed state (Fig. 5c).

[0057] Figs. 5d-5e illustrate in cross-sectional bottom views an exemplary embodiment of an edge section of a coupling member, without (Fig. 5d) and with (Fig. 5e) an insert arranged in the insert groove.

[0058] Figs. 5f-5g illustrate in a bottom view (Fig. 5f) and a perspective view (Fig. 5g) an exemplary embodiment of an edge section of a coupling member comprising a one-piece tongue.

[0059] Figs. 6a-6e illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a panel in a side view (Fig. 6a) and a front view (Fig. 6b), an exemplary embodiment of a coupling member in a perspective view (Fig. 6c) and a cross- sectional side view (Fig. 6d), and an exemplary embodiment of such a coupling member locked to such a panel in a cross- sectional side view (Fig. 6e).

[0060] Fig. 6f illustrates in a perspective view an exemplary embodiment of a furniture assembly in the form of a shelf assembly or cabinet assembly.

[0061] Figs. 7a-7e illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a panel in a perspective view (Fig. 7a) and in a side view (Fig. 7b), and an exemplary embodiment of a coupling member included in hinge members in a perspective view (Fig. 7c), a top view (Fig. 7d) and a front view (Fig. 7e).

[0062] Figs. 8a-8e illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a coupling member of a hinge element in perspective views (Figs. 8a-8b), an exemplary embodiment of such a hinge element locked to a panel and a joinery component in a perspective view (Fig. 8c) and a sectional top view (Fig. 8d) in a panel assembly, and in a perspective view an exemplary embodiment of a furniture assembly comprising such a panel assembly (Fig. 8e).

[0063] Figs. 9a-9c illustrate in sections cross-sectional bottom views of an exemplary embodiment of a coupling member and a panel during locking (Figs. 9a-9b) and in a locked state (Fig. 9c).

[0064] Figs. 10a-1 Ob illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a coupling member fixedly coupled to a joinery component in a cross-sectional side view (Fig. 10a) and an exemplary embodiment of such a coupling member locked to a panel in a cross-sectional side view (Fig. 10b).

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Next, various embodiments of a panel arrangement 10 and a corresponding panel assembly 11 will be described with reference to, e.g., Figs. 1a-1e, 2a-2e, 3a-3e, 4a- 4f, 5a-5g, 6a-6f, 7a-7e, 8a-8e, 9a-9c and 10a-10b.

[0067] The disclosure relates to a panel arrangement 10 comprising a panel 1 and a coupling member 2. The coupling member 2 may be a slider member, a hinge element, or a fitting element. The coupling member 2 is configured to be coupled to a joinery component 1 ', for example a joinery panel, by a direct or an indirect coupling. The coupling member 2 may be slidingly coupled to the joinery component T as shown in, e.g., Figs. 4f and 6f (see double-sided arrow SL) or it may be rotatably coupled to the joinery component T as shown in, e.g., Figs. 8c-8e (see double-sided arrow R). In some embodiments, the coupling member 2 may be fixedly coupled to the joinery component T, see, e.g., Fig. 10b.

[0068] The panel 1 comprises at least one cavity 3, such as at least two or a plurality of cavities, arranged in a mounting side 1a of the panel 1. Each cavity 3 extends along a cavity direction P1 at a cavity angle a with respect to a first plane M1 of the panel 1 extending along the mounting side 1a. The cavity angle a may be between 20° and 75°, such as 30° to 60°, for example about 45°. Preferably, opposing walls 3a of each cavity 3 are substantially parallel to each other. Preferably, the cavity direction P1 extends along a wall 3a of the cavities 3. The panel 1 further comprises a recess 4 arranged in the mounting side 1a. As shown most clearly in Figs. 1a, 1 e, 3a-3c and 6b, the recess 4 may be arranged in an edge portion 1 b of the panel 1 . For example, the recess 4 may be arranged closer than the cavities 3 to an outermost edge portion 1d. In some embodiments, however, and as shown in, e.g., Figs. 3d and 7a, the recess 4 may be arranged in an inner portion 1 c of the panel 1 . For example, the recess 4 may be arranged inside of the cavities 3, away from an edge portion 1 b.

[0069] The coupling member 2, such as a slider member, hinge element, or fitting element, may comprise metal, such as plated cold-rolled steel or stainless steel. In some embodiments, however, the coupling member 2 may comprise a polymer-based material, preferably a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene, PP, polyoxymethylene, POM, polyamide, PA, for example, PA-6. Preferably, the polymer- based material comprises a reinforcement material, such as glass fibers or carbon fibers.

[0070] The coupling member 2 comprises at least one protrusion 5 arranged or configured to be arranged in a mounting area 2a of the coupling member 2. Each protrusion 5 extends along a protrusion direction P2 at a protrusion angle p with respect to a second plane M2 extending along the mounting area 2a. The protrusion angle may be between 20° and 75°, such as 30° to 60°, for example about 42°. Preferably, the protrusion direction P2 extends along a wall 5a of the protrusions 5.

[0071] The coupling member 2 further comprises a tongue 6', such as an insert 6 (detailed below), arranged or configured to be arranged in the mounting area 2a. The tongue 6, 6' is displaceable and / or compressible along its main direction, such as axial direction A, cf. Fig. 5a, 5f and 7d, such as by being spring loaded.

[0072] Each protrusion 5 may be a rod-shaped element, such as a cylinder-shaped element. A cross-section of each protrusion 5 along the cavity direction P2 preferably is circular. In a first example, the protrusions are formed in one piece with the coupling member 2. For example, metal-based protrusions may be bent from a metal sheet, or they may be welded, such as spot welded, to the mounting area 2a. In some examples, the protrusions may be weld bolts. In a second example, the protrusions are separately formed from the coupling member 2. For example, they may be plugs, such as metal-based plugs, or dowels, preferably polymer-based dowels or wood dowels. Preferably, opposing walls 4a of the recess 4 are substantially parallel to each other, preferably when the tongue 6' is provided as an insert 6.

[0073] Each protrusion 5 may be axially rigid. Thereby, they may be substantially incompressible along their axial direction.

[0074] The cavities 3 and the protrusions 5 are configured to cooperate, such as engage, with each other for locking the coupling member 2 to the panel 1 in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the first plane M1 . Each protrusion 5 may be received in a respective cavity 3 for cooperation therebetween. Moreover, the recess 4 and the tongue 6, 6' are configured to cooperate, such as engage, with each other for locking the coupling member 2 to the panel 1 in a second direction D2 along the first plane M1 . Thereby, a locked state of the coupling member 2 and the panel 1 in the first D1 and second D2 directions may be obtained, see, e.g., Figs. 1c-1e, 3c, 3e, 4d-4f, 6d- 6f, 8c-8e and 9c. Clearly, the cavities 3 and the protrusions 5 may optionally also contribute to the locking of the coupling member 2 to the panel 1 in the second direction D2.

[0075] The protrusions 5 may cooperate with the respective cavities 3 at connecting surfaces 3b, 5b which may be arranged in a wall 3a of the cavities 3 and in a wall 5a of the protrusions. The connecting surfaces 3b, 5b may extend around a portion of a, or around an entire, circumference of the protrusions and cavities.

[0076] The tongue 6', such as insert 6, may comprise a locking surface 6h configured to cooperate with a locking surface 4b of the recess 4 for locking the coupling member

[0077] 2 to the panel 1 in the second direction D2.

[0078] Preferably, the recess 4 extends in parallel with the main, such as axial, direction A of the tongue 6', such as the insert 6, in the locked state. For example, the recess 4 may extend along the first direction D1.

[0079] Preferably, the cavities 3 and / or the recess 4 are blind holes. Moreover, the cavities

[0080] 3 and / or the recess 4 may be circumscribed holes, such that they have extensions H1 , H2 along a pair of non-parallel, such as perpendicular, directions F1 , F2 that are substantially the same (see, e.g., Fig. 1a). The non-parallel directions F1 , F2 may extend along the first plane M1 . For example, they may be essentially circular holes, preferably formed by drilling. A cross-section of each cavity 3 along the cavity direction P1 preferably is circular. Alternatively, or additionally, a cross-section of the recess 4, such as along the first direction D1, preferably is circular. As shown in e.g., Figs. 1e, 2a-2e, 3a-3e, 4a-4c, 5e-5g, 6c, 7c-7d, 8b, 8d and 9a-9c, the tongue 6', such as insert 6, may be arranged in an edge section 2b of the coupling member 2. Alternatively, or preferably additionally, the tongue 6', such as insert 6, may be arranged outside of each protrusion 5 along the second direction D2.

[0081] In some embodiments, the protrusion angle p may be smaller than the cavity angle a in an unlocked state of the panel 1 and the coupling member 2. For example, the protrusion angle may differ from the cavity angle a by 0.5° to 6°, such as 2° to 4°, in the unlocked state.

[0082] In some embodiments, however, the protrusion angle p may be essentially the same as the cavity angle a.

[0083] In preferred embodiments, and as alluded to above, the tongue 6' is separately formed from the mounting area 2a, for example formed by injection moulding. The tongue 6' may be provided in the form of an insert 6 arranged in an insert groove 7 of the coupling member 2.

[0084] The protrusions 5 and the insert 6 may extend at different angles p and y with respect to the second plane M2. The insert 6 may extend essentially along a normal direction N2 of the second plane M2, preferably such that an insert angle y between the axial direction A of the insert 6 and a direction along the second plane M2, such as along a longitudinal L and / or a transverse T direction of the coupling member 2, is 75°<y<105°, for example about 90°. In some embodiments, however, the insert angle y may deviate from the normal direction N2 by up to ±15°, such as being 75°<y<105° or 80°<y<100°. The insert groove 7 may extend in the same direction as the insert 6, such as in the locked state, whereby reference is made to the above values.

[0085] As shown in, e.g., Fig. 5a, the insert 6, such as its enveloping surface, may have a substantially cylindrical shape, although other shapes are equally conceivable.

[0086] Generally herein, the insert 6 may be displaceable and / or compressible along its axial direction A, see the arrows C1 and C2 in Figs. 3a-3c, 5c and 9a-9c illustrating an inward and outward displacement and / or compression, respectively. For example, the insert may be axially flexible along the axial direction A. The insert 6 may assume an expanded state S1 and a compressed state S2. For example, the insert may be at least partly compressed, such as entirely uncompressed, in the expanded state S1. The insert 6 may be configured to return towards, such as to entirely to, the expanded state S1 when compressed by means of a biasing force. Thereby, it may function as a compression spring. An extension E1 , E2 of the insert along the axial direction A may be smaller in the compressed state S1 than in the expanded state S2.

[0087] As seen most clearly in Figs. 5a-5c, the insert 6 may comprise a flexible, compressible member 6a, preferably in the form of a plurality of joined serpentine elements 6b, which, for example, may be S-shaped elements. Preferably, the serpentine elements 6b are flexible. Moreover, the insert 6 may be configured to return towards the expanded state S1 when compressed by means of a biasing force of the serpentine elements 6b. The serpentine elements may thereby comprise alternating crests 6c and troughs 6d arranged along the axial direction A. Moreover, the insert 6 may comprise a head portion 6f, which preferably comprises a tapering end portion 6g.

[0088] Adjacent serpentine elements 6b located along the same transverse side of the insert 6 may be separated by a space 6e along the axial direction A, at least in the expanded state S1 , but preferably also in the compressed state S2.

[0089] Preferably, the insert groove 7 is provided in a housing 8 of the coupling member 2. Alternatively, the insert groove 7 may be provided in the mounting area 2a, for example formed by cutting and bending a portion thereof.

[0090] The coupling member 2 may be locked to the panel 1 by a relative displacement between them in a locking direction 17 extending essentially in parallel with at least one of the cavity direction P1 and protrusion direction P2, preferably in a final phase of the locking. With reference to the first panel 1 , one component of the locking direction 17 may include the first direction D1 and one component of the locking direction 17 may extend along the first plane M1 , for example along the second direction D2 (or along a third direction D3 perpendicularly to the second direction D2) as shown in, e.g., Figs. 3a-3e and 9a-9c (or Figs. 6a, 6d and 10a-1 Ob). The locking may be accomplished without using a separate assembling tool.

[0091] During locking, the tongue 6, 6', such as the insert 6, may be compressed such that it assumes the compressed state S2, and, subsequently, the tongue 6, 6' may be at least partially expanded towards the expanded state S1 for locking the coupling member 2 to the panel 1 . For example, the tongue 6, 6' may be entirely expanded to the expanded state S1 . The tongue 6, 6', such as the insert 6, may be compressed during locking by means of a cooperation between the tongue 6, 6' and the first panel 1 , preferably the mounting side 1a, see, e.g., Figs. 3a-3c and 9a-9c.

[0092] A tongue 6' in the form of an insert 6 may be displaced during locking into the insert groove 7, preferably by being compressed such that it assumes the compressed state S2. Subsequently, the insert 6, or at least part of the insert 6, may be displaced out from the insert groove 7, such that it at least partially is expanded towards the expanded state S1 , for example entirely assuming the expanded state S1 .

[0093] The protrusions 5 may each be received within the respective cavity 3 for locking the coupling member 2 to the panel 1.

[0094] Generally herein, the panel arrangement 10 may extend along a primary X, a secondary Y, and a tertiary Z direction, which are perpendicular to each other. The primary X and tertiary Z directions may extend along the first plane M1 , and the secondary direction Y may extend along a thickness direction of the panel 1 .

[0095] The protrusions 5 may be inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction L of the coupling member 2. Moreover, the cavities 3 may be inclined with respect to the second direction D2, which, for example, may be parallel with the primary direction X, as illustrated in, e.g., Figs. 1a-1e, 3a-3e, 4a-4c, 7a-7b, 8c-8e and 9a-9c. For example, the primary direction X may be configured to extend in parallel with a subfloor 20 in which the panel arrangement 10 and / or a panel assembly 11 is to be installed.

[0096] In some embodiments, the protrusions 5 may be inclined in a direction away from the tongue 6', such as insert 6, see, e.g., Figs. 1a-1e, 2a-2e, 3a-3c, 5d-5g, 7c-7d, 8b, 8d and 9a-9c. In some embodiments, the protrusions 5 may be inclined in a direction toward the tongue 6', such as insert 6, see Figs. 4a-4c. In some embodiments, some protrusions 5 may be inclined in a direction away from the tongue 6', such as insert 6, and some may be inclined in a direction toward it, see Figs. 3d-3e. In any of these scenarios, the cavities 3 may be inclined in correspondence with the inclinations of the protrusions 5.

[0097] With reference to, e.g., Figs. 6a-6e and 10a-10b, the protrusions 5 may in some embodiments be inclined with respect to the transverse direction T of the coupling member 2. Preferably, the transverse direction T is a vertically transverse direction configured to extend in parallel with the tertiary direction Z in the locked state. Furthermore, the cavities 3 may be inclined with respect to a third direction D3, which is perpendicular to the first D1 and second D2 directions. The third direction D3 may be parallel to the tertiary direction Z. For example, the tertiary direction Z may be configured to extend perpendicularly to the subfloor 20 in which the panel arrangement 10 is to be installed. Preferably, the protrusions 5 are inclined in a direction downwards.

[0098] In some embodiments, and as illustrated in, e.g., Figs. 5f-5g, the tongue 6' is a one- piece tongue, which is integrally formed with the mounting area 2a. For example, the tongue 6' may be formed by cutting and bending a portion of the mounting area 2a. It is understood that the section shown in Figs. 5f-5g may replace any of the other embodiments including an insert 6, shown in, e.g., Figs. 1a-1e, 2a-2e, 3a-3e, 4a-4c, 6a-6e, 7a-7e, 8a-8e and 9a-9c. The recess 4 configured to cooperate with the one- piece tongue may be shaped as described elsewhere herein.

[0099] In some embodiments, and as shown, e.g., in Figs. 3d-3e, the recess 4 may be arranged between two cavities 3 of the panel 1 . Alternatively, or additionally, the tongue 6, 6', such as the insert 6, may be arranged between two protrusions 5 of the coupling member 2. Other features and functionalities of the panel and the coupling member may be the same as for the other embodiments disclosed herein, such as described in relation to, e.g., Figs. 1a-1e, 2a-2e, 3a-3c, 4a-4c, 5a-5g, 6a-6e, 7a-7e, 8a-8e and 9a-9c, whereby reference is made thereto.

[0100] Figs. 4d-4f, 6f and 8c-8e illustrate embodiments of a panel assembly 11 comprising the panel arrangement 10 according to any of the embodiments shown in, e.g., Figs. 1a-1e, 2a-2e, 3a-3c, 4a-4c, 5a-5g, 6a-6e, 7a-7e, 8a-8b and 9a-9c, and further comprising at least one additional joinery component 1", such as a plurality of additional joinery components 1 ". The panel assembly 11 may be a furniture assembly, such as drawer assembly, a cabinet assembly, or a shelf assembly. The additional joinery components 1" may be connected to each other by any means known in the art, for example by screws or by means of inclined rod-shaped elements and insertion recesses as well as a compressible locking element and a recess, e.g., as disclosed in WO 2023 / 143756 A1 . Alternatively, or additionally, at least one additional joinery component 1" in the form of an additional panel 1 may be included in a second panel arrangement 10 of the panel assembly 11. The second panel arrangement 10 may further comprise a coupling member 2 and may, for example, be oppositely arranged to a first panel arrangement 10 as shown in, e.g., Figs. 4d-4f and 6f. At least one joinery component 1" selected from the group consisting of a lower joinery component, an upper joinery component, and a backside joinery component 14 may connect the panels 1 of the first and second panel arrangements 10.

[0101] The mounting side 1a may be an inner face of the panel 1 included in the panel assembly 11.

[0102] For the furniture assembly, such as drawer assembly in Figs. 4d-4f, or shelf assembly or cabinet assembly in Fig. 6f, the coupling member 2 may be a slider member, such as a drawer slider member (or a drawer runner), and the joinery component T may be a furniture component, such as a drawer component, a shelf component, or a cabinet component. The drawer component may be connected to other drawer components for obtaining a drawer. The shelf component may be connected to other shelf components and / or cabinet components for obtaining a shelf assembly or cabinet assembly. The slider member may be configured to be coupled to the drawer component or shelf component. Moreover, it may be a two- way slider allowing for linear displacement in two opposite directions (see arrow SL).

[0103] The slider member may comprise a first part 9a configured to be coupled to the drawer, and a second part 9b configured to be coupled to the panel 1. The first part 9a may be slidingly connected to the second part 9b. The first 9a and second 9b parts may assume an extended relative positioning and a shortened relative positioning with respect to each other. Preferably, two slider members are coupled to the drawer, which preferably are undermount drawer slides. By arranging the housing 8 such that it faces inwards in the panel assembly 11 , it may be concealed.

[0104] In some embodiments, however, the slider member only comprises a second part 9b. For example, a wheel configuration of a drawer may be rollingly connected to the second part 9b.

[0105] The slider member, such as drawer slider member, may be elongated, for example having a length LC exceeding 200 mm, such as 200-900 mm, along the longitudinal direction L, preferably in the shortened relative positioning of the first 9a and second 9b parts. Preferably, the length LC exceeds half a panel length PL, such as LC / PL>0.7 or LC / PL>0.9. The length LC may be larger in the extended relative positioning than in the shortened relative positioning. Moreover, it may have a thickness TC of 15-75 mm, along the transverse direction T, and a width WC of 3-75 mm, along a width direction W, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal L and transverse T directions. The extensions LC, TC and WC may be maximal extensions. The furniture assembly, such as cabinet assembly, in Fig. 8e may comprise the panel assembly 11 shown in Figs. 8c-8d. Optionally, the joinery component T in Figs. 8c-8d may comprise a connecting channel 12 extending along a side portion 13 thereof for connecting a backside joinery component 14 to the other joinery components T, 1", which may comprise similar connecting channels 12.

[0106] Figs. 4d-4f, 6f and 8c-8e show a furniture assembly using butt joints 15 and mitre joints 16, respectively, but a skilled artisan will appreciate that other joints, such as rabbet joints, are equally conceivable in any of these assemblies.

[0107] As mentioned above, in some embodiments the coupling member 2, for example in the form of a fitting element, may be fixedly coupled to the joinery component T, see, e.g., the schematic illustrations in Figs. 10a-10b. For example, the joinery component T may be adapted for assembly of a storage device, such as a hanger rail or a closet rod, or it may be a storage device per se, such as a basket, a coat hook, or a shelf component. The fixed coupling to the joinery component may be a, optionally removably, fixed coupling according to any known means in the art, for example by means of a screw, a snap-fit, an adhesive, welding, or similarly.

[0108] In some embodiments, as shown in, e.g., Figs. 7a-7e and 8a-8e, the coupling member 2 is, or is part of, a hinge element, and the joinery component T is a furniture component, such as a cabinet component or a shelf component. The hinge element may be arranged in an edge portion 1b of the panel 1 and, preferably indirectly, connected to an edge segment 1a' of the joinery component T. Indeed, the hinge element may be rotationally connected to a complementary hinge element 2', preferably such that the hinge elements 2, 2' are rotatable around a rotational axis Q (see double-sided arrow R), preferably arranged through arms 2d, 2d' of the hinge elements 2, 2', which optionally may be overlapping. For example, the arms 2d, 2d' may be arranged in a respective front side 2c, 2c' of the hinge elements.

[0109] The coupling member 2 in the form of a hinge element, such as those shown in Figs. 7c-7e and 8a-8e, may have a length LC less than or equal to 200 mm, such as 50- 200 mm, along the longitudinal direction L. Moreover, it may have a thickness TC of 10-75 mm, along the transverse direction T, and a width WC of 5-50 mm, along a width direction W, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal L and transverse T directions. The extensions LC, TC and WC may be maximal extensions. The width WC may include the extension of the protrusions 5. As shown in Fig. 6f, the shelf component preferably is slidingly coupled to the coupling member 2, but a fixed coupling is also conceivable, cf. Fig. 10b.

[0110] Aspects of the disclosure have mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the disclosure. For example, it is clear that the complementary hinge element 2' illustrated herein is non-limiting and may be embodied in various other ways. In addition, it is emphasized that the drawer described herein may in some embodiments be a metal-based drawer.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A panel arrangement (10) comprising a panel (1 ) and a coupling member (2), the coupling member (2) being a slider member, a hinge element, or a fitting element, wherein the coupling member (2) is configured to be coupled to a joinery component (1'), such as a joinery panel, wherein: the panel (1 ) comprises: at least one cavity (3) arranged in a mounting side (1a) of the panel(1) and extending along a cavity direction (P1 ) at a cavity angle (a) with respect to a first plane (M1) extending along the mounting side (1a) of the panel, and a recess (4) arranged in said mounting side (1a) of the panel; and the coupling member (2) comprises: at least one protrusion (5) arranged or configured to be arranged in a mounting area (2a) of the coupling member (2) and extending along a protrusion direction (P2) at a protrusion angle ( ) with respect to a second plane (M2) extending along the mounting area (2a) of the coupling member(2), and a tongue (6; 6') arranged or configured to be arranged in the mounting area (2a) of the coupling member (2), the tongue being displaceable and / or compressible along its main direction (A), wherein said at least one cavity (3) and said at least one protrusion (5) are configured to cooperate with each other for locking the coupling member (2) to the panel (1 ) in a first direction (D1 ) perpendicular to said first plane (M1 ), and wherein the recess (4) and the tongue (6; 6') are configured to cooperate with each other for locking the coupling member (2) to the panel (1) in a second direction (D2) along said first plane (M1).

2. The panel arrangement (10) according to claim 1 , wherein, during locking, the tongue (6; 6') is configured to be compressed such that it assumes a compressed state (S2), and wherein, subsequently, the tongue (6; 6') is at least partially expanded towards an expanded state (S1 ) for locking the coupling member (2) to the panel (1 ).

3. The panel arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling member (2) is configured be locked to the panel (1) by relatively displacing the coupling member (2) with respect to the panel (1 ) in a locking direction (17) extending essentially in parallel with at least one of said cavity direction (P1) and said protrusion direction (P2).

4. The panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tongue (6; 6') is an insert (6) arranged in an insert groove (7) of the coupling member (2), the insert groove (7) preferably being provided in a housing (8) of the coupling member (2).

5. The panel arrangement (10) according to claim 4, wherein the insert (6) and / or an insert groove (7) in which it is arranged essentially extends along a normal direction (N2) of the second plane (M2).

6. The panel arrangement (10) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the insert (6) comprises a plurality of joined serpentine elements (6b) configured to implement a compressibility of the insert (6) along the main direction (A).

7. The panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion angle (P) is smaller than the cavity angle (a) in an unlocked state of the panel (1 ) and the coupling member (2).

8. The panel arrangement (10) according to claim 7, wherein the protrusion angle (P) differs from the cavity angle (a) by 0.5° to 6°, such as 2° to 4°, in said unlocked state.

9. The panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cavity angle (a) is between 20° and 75°, such as 30° to 60°, for example about 45°.

10. The panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion angle (P) is between 20° and 75°, such as 30° to 60°, for example about 42°.11 . The panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (4) is arranged in an edge portion (1b) of the panel (1 ) and / or wherein the tongue (6; 6') is arranged in an edge section (2b) of the coupling member (2).

12. The panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the recess (4) is arranged between two cavities (3) and / or wherein the tongue (6; 6') is arranged between two protrusions (5).

13. The panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each cavity (3) is inclined with respect to the second direction (D2) and wherein each protrusion (5) is inclined with respect to a longitudinal direction (L) of the coupling member (2).

14. The panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1-12, wherein each cavity (3) is inclined with respect to a third direction (D3), which is perpendicular to the first (D1 ) and second (D2) directions, and wherein each protrusion (5) is inclined with respect to a transverse direction (T) of the coupling member (2).

15. The panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein opposing walls (3a) of each cavity (3) are substantially parallel and / or wherein opposing walls (4a) of the recess (4) are substantially parallel.

16. The panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-section of the cavity (3) and / or the recess (4) is circular.

17. The panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein coupling member (2) is a slider member, such as a drawer slider member, and wherein the joinery component (T) is a furniture component, such as a drawer component or a cabinet component.

18. The panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein coupling member (2) is, or is part of, a hinge element or a fitting element, and wherein the joinery component (T) is a furniture component, such as a cabinet component or a shelf component.

19. A panel assembly (11 ) comprising the panel arrangement (10) according to any of the preceding claims 1-18, further comprising at least one additional joinery component (1").

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